Family Support Specialist

The Family Support Specialist is responsible for:

• crisis intervention on behalf of child victims and their non-offending caregivers, including risk, needs, and trauma assessments, parent education, and safety and treatment planning;
• coordination of services including but not limited to medical and mental health referrals; and
• follow-up with victims of criminal child maltreatment and their non-offending caretakers during the investigative and treatment process to ensure that their needs are being met.

The Family Support Specialist is a full-time (40 hours weekly), grant-funded position that reports to the Program Coordinator. The salary range is $41,600 to $45,760 annually. Foothills offers generous benefits.

• REQUIREMENTS: 

Qualified candidates must hold a Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university and have at least two years of post-Master’s experience working with children and families.The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university; have at least two years of post-Master’s experience working with children and families; have experience working in the field of child protection, child maltreatment, sexual assault, or with children and families who have experienced trauma; be highly sensitive to the needs and welfare of children and caretakers who have experienced physical and/or sexual maltreatment; and be highly self-motivated and able to work independently when required. Ability to speak fluent Spanish is also a plus.

• OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Academic training or practical experience in and knowledge of developmental stages of children and the dynamics and effects of child sexual and physical maltreatment.
2. Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals.
3. Disposition toward multi-disciplinary team approach to helping victims of crime.
4. Excellent organizational, computer, and written and verbal communication skills.
5. Knowledge and use of appropriate professional ethics and standards in a social work discipline.
6. Strong leadership skills and desire to take initiative.

• RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Gather information from non-offending caretakers, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) agencies, and other community professionals to assess children and families for risk and treatment needs.
• Develop safety and treatment plans with families in coordination with MDT agencies and other community professionals.
• Provide short-term case management and education for children and their families in crisis.
• Make referrals to community resources including but not limited to: food, clothing, medical, parenting, mental health evaluation and counseling, substance abuse programs, domestic violence programs, and financial assistance.
• Coordinate services from intake of case throughout prosecution and treatment as needed by the victim and family; communicate with families and partners about treatment referral process as required.
• Maintain data entry and client records in NCAtrak on child maltreatment cases, including service plan, client interaction, referrals, follow-up on referrals, and any additional needs.
• Supervise student interns and evaluate according to College or University requirements.
• Prepare for, participate in, and facilitate MDT Case Review meetings.
• Actively participate in on-going program development and improvement of student intern program.
• Attend specialized training on best-practices in the field of child maltreatment.
• Attend in-service training held by member agencies to be familiar with their role and procedures.
• Gather and tabulate statistics and complete reports on victims of crime and services provided.
• Develop materials that will assist child victims and their families.
• Provide education and outreach to local agencies, community groups and the public including mandated reporter training and other customized trainings about child abuse issues and Foothills CAC services.
• Participate in community groups and taskforces related to child abuse and treatment.
• Attend staff meetings, conferences, and trainings as required.
• Other duties, as assigned by the Program Coordinator.

• ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• The Family Support Specialist must be available to work flexible hours to meet the needs of clients. This position may include some evening hours.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision.
• Employee must have access to a vehicle; possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Employee must submit to a thorough criminal and child abuse background check at least every three years.
• Employee must demonstrate proof of legal ability to work in the United States, and, if applicable, demonstrate registration with the Selective Service.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required.

• EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 

Foothills Child Advocacy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based upon race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or military service.

• TO APPLY: 

Send cover letter and resume/CV to Jane Tirrell, Administrative Coordinator via e-mail to jtfoothills@gmail.com OR mail via postal mail to Jane Tirrell, Foothills Child Advocacy Center, 1106 East High Street, Suite 100, Charlottesville, VA 22902.  Applications will be received until the position is filled.